Author: TeachThought Staff

Whether you’re using formative assessment for data to personalize learning within a unit, or more summative data to refine a curriculum map, the ability to quickly and easily check for understanding is a critical part of what you do. (Which was the idea behind 10 Assessments You Can Perform In 90 Seconds Or Less.) The following infographic Mia MacMeekin offers up 27 additional ways to check for understanding. Some aren’t necessarily quick–“Test what you learned in a new situation”–but there are a dozen or more other ideas that are worth adding to your teacher toolbox, many of which aren’t content-related, but rather…

School librarians have much more on their plates than just managing books, often spending a great deal of time educating students and teachers, learning about and implementing new technology, and reading up on the latest new releases for young adults and children. It can be a lot to keep up with, but luckily other librarians are sharing their wisdom, experience, and expertise via the web. We’ve brought together 121 excellent blogs written by teachers, librarians, tech experts, and book lovers that can act as amazing resources for any school librarian. If you add TeachThought to the list, that’s 121. : )…

The Precious First Few Minutes Of Class The traditional scene is familiar: Students drift into class while we announce “Your warm-up is on the board,” followed by the usual shuffle for supplies and various requests. But in today’s educational landscape, we can do better with these precious opening minutes. Why Opening Minutes Matter Peak cognitive readiness Prime time for memory formation Critical window for establishing engagement Opportunity to build classroom culture Sets the tone for deep learning Modern Strategies for Class Openers 1. Facts and Fibs Create facts and fibs about the upcoming topic on strips of paper. In groups,…

In today’s digital landscape, social media platforms have become crucial for educational engagement, especially in STEM fields. TikTok, a leading short-form video-sharing app, has gained immense popularity globally. Yet, in the USA, access to TikTok is restricted, hindering students and educators from tapping into its educational value. This piece delves into TikTok’s role in enhancing STEM engagement and the ways to bypass access restrictions in the USA. By grasping TikTok’s educational impact and the current restrictions, we can enable learners to continue their STEM exploration. This is achieved through the medium of short-form video content. Understanding TikTok’s Educational Impact and…

Use Classroom Management Platforms and Other Tools to Overcome Barriers in Learning a Language contributed by Al Kingsley, CEO of NetSupport Teaching a language, whether for ESL students or those learning something new like French or Spanish – requires largely the same teaching skills as any other subject. Yet, in some critical ways – especially for ESL students – the challenges are magnified by the comprehension barrier. Not unlike the barriers every student can face, students learning languages hit plateaus and lose focus, are unmotivated, get distracted, and probably most glaringly apparent, are hindered by lack of confidence. Edtech can…

In the digital age, branding has evolved into an art and a science, requiring businesses to craft unique visual identities that resonate with their audiences. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this revolution, offering innovative tools to simplify and amplify the design process. From creating eye-catching logos to designing business cards and promotional materials, AI tools are transforming branding for businesses of all sizes. AI-powered branding: A game-changer for businesses AI tools like Dreamina provide businesses with accessible and cost-effective solutions for creating professional designs. Unlike traditional design methods that require extensive time, effort, and expertise, AI-powered tools…

Everyone loves Instagram Reels. Content creators are facing high competition to gain the attention of their audience. Attractive and clean reels always gain popularity.  CapCut, free video editing software, provides a clear interface, which makes video editing for Instagram reels simple for everyone. Users can promptly discover tools and features without getting confused. The easy-to-understand setup helps with easy navigation. Anyone can start editing Instagram videos immediately with a few taps. CapCut desktop video editor design allows beginners to feel secure and sure of themselves. Why Background Matters in Instagram Reels The background of your video is more than just…

College planning often feels overwhelming for families. Parents juggle excitement about their child’s future with anxiety over the financial, emotional, and logistical challenges ahead. Many don’t know where to start, and as educators, we’re in a unique position to offer clarity and guidance. By helping parents understand the process early and in manageable steps, we can significantly change how families approach this important milestone. Here’s how teachers can provide practical support. Start the College Conversation Early For many families, college planning feels distant until the pressure is unavoidable. Encouraging early conversations can shift this mindset. Start by helping parents consider…

The massive T-Mobile data breach in 2023, which exposed 37 million customers’ data, was a stark reminder: cybersecurity isn’t just IT jargon—it’s a necessity in our digital world. Whether you check your bank balance on your phone, work remotely, or browse social media, your digital footprint is vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated attacks. Today’s Cyber Landscape Think of cybersecurity like home security—except the threats are invisible and constantly evolving. Hackers aren’t just mysterious figures in hoodies anymore; they’re often well-funded organizations using artificial intelligence and automated tools to probe for weaknesses. In January 2024 alone, cyber insurance provider Coalition reported a…

Harnessing Kairos: Balancing Structured Time and Learning Velocity in K-12 Classrooms Time in education is about more than minutes on the clock or adhering to rigid schedules. It’s about how students experience time cognitively and emotionally in the learning process. A deeper dive into these ideas reveals actionable ways to create meaningful learning experiences for students. Educational philosopher Shari Tishman describes this beautifully in her work, Slow Observation: The Art and Practice of Learning. She reminds us that observation and understanding happen through repeated encounters with ideas and experiences—’re-searching’ in the truest sense. Similarly, educators must question how ‘time’ and…